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As WP's senior editor, I edit review and preview articles, attempt to keep up with the frantic pace of Rainier's news posts, and keep our reviewers on deadline, which is akin to herding cats. When I have a moment to myself and don't have my nose in a book, I like to play action/RPG, adventure and platforming games.

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'Empire Earth 2' - Screens

Empire Earth 2 will build upon the success of its predecessor by adding unique units, powers, leaders, and inherent bonuses to all of the game's 14 different civilizations. Cities, territories, and borders in Empire Earth 2, often treated as "eye candy" in other real-time strategy games, will factor into game play and be treated as tradable resources much like they are in the real world. The game's artificial intelligence will be more reactive, dynamic, and variable than its predecessor's, able to adapt to human opponents in ways that are more engaging for the player. And, for the first time in the Empire Earth series, ambient weather and seasons like fog and snowfall will affect game play, forcing players to adapt their strategies to the changing environment.

"Empire Earth was a tremendous worldwide success for us, but we aren't resting on our laurels for Empire Earth 2," said Michael Pole, VU Games' Executive Vice-President, Worldwide Studios. "We are going to great lengths to ensure that the sequel is in every way a worthy successor that builds upon the Empire Earth franchise."

Empire Earth 2 will build upon the success of its predecessor by adding unique units, powers, leaders, and inherent bonuses to all of the game's 14 different civilizations. Cities, territories, and borders in Empire Earth 2, often treated as "eye candy" in other real-time strategy games, will factor into game play and be treated as tradable resources much like they are in the real world. The game's artificial intelligence will be more reactive, dynamic, and variable than its predecessor's, able to adapt to human opponents in ways that are more engaging for the player. And, for the first time in the Empire Earth series, ambient weather and seasons like fog and snowfall will affect game play, forcing players to adapt their strategies to the changing environment.

In addition, significant focus has been placed on casual gamers who often become frustrated by difficult and arcane videogame features. Empire Earth 2's citizen manager system simplifies the player's job of assigning citizens to movement and harvesting tasks. A new, more intelligent formation system will offer attack bonuses, allow for easier navigation across maps, and reduce the occurrence of "furball combat," an unfortunately common and confusing real-time strategy game element that can frustrate gamers. And the game's streamlined research system better mimics the actual development of technology and alleviates the need to micro-manage the game during heated combat.

Empire Earth 2's multiplayer features will be no less revolutionary. The game's new Crown System will provide temporary, but potent, rewards for players who demonstrate excellent military, economic, imperialistic, or cultural ability. A war planning screen will help teammates coordinate their efforts by allowing them to use a map of the world to diagram troop movements. Multiplayer competition will feature nine different game types, including new additions to the series such as "Hot Spots," which forces gamers to capture and hold positions of strategic importance. Lastly, Empire Earth 2 will include popular player-requested features like recorded games, improved tournament support, multiplayer co-operative scenarios, and advanced statistics reporting.

In the Empire Earth series, gamers can become the greatest conqueror of all time by creating, building, and leading a civilization to transcend the ages. From the discovery of fire, to flight, to the technological frontiers of the future, Empire Earth 2 will serve up gaming on an epic scale. Each player will take control of a fledgling civilization and strive to forge the greatest of all empires.

More information about Empire Earth 2 can be found at http://www.empireearth.com/.